OSHA currently regulates aspects of emergency response and preparedness; some of these standards were promulgated decades ago, and none were designed as comprehensive emergency response standards. Consequently, they do not address the full range of hazards or concerns currently facing emergency responders, and other workers providing skilled support, nor do they reflect major changes in […]
One of the top 5 nastiest checmicals I have encountered during my career is Hydrofluoric Acid and Hydrogen Fluoride (HF). And it just amazes me that humans can convenience themselves that these chemicals are not “really that hazardous”. TRUST ME (and NIOSH), HF has earned its place in my Top 5. Of course, HF is not
You walk by a power transmission shaft and notice that it is protruding out and seems to be missing its guard/cap. You look all around for it, as we usually can find them sitting on the floor nearby!!!, but no luck. So you report the “hazard” and issue a work-order to install a guard/cap over
I have to first point out that OR-OSHA is a “state plan” ( and my personal favorite!) and is specific to employers in the state of Oregon (OR), but their 2020 LOI on maintaining SDSs electronically points out something that many (including me) have not considered. I have been telling all my clients for decades
You may have seen this latest and greatest “detection method” in your junk mail, pop-up ads, or in a search of the internet. These tapes work and they work well in my experiences, but as with any product, there are some serious drawbacks that one must understand before using these products. Before I get into
Authorities: Napa man injured by flash fire while cleaning paper shredderA man was hospitalized Saturday morning with a burn injury suffered while cleaning a paper shredder, according to Napa Fire. Firefighters were called to a west Napa house at about 7:50 a.m., where a man was being cooled in a shower after suffering a burn…
Many of you that handle anhydrous ammonia are familiar with The Compressed Gas Association’s (CGA) 2.1, Requirements for the Storage and Handling of Anhydrous Ammonia, which is the baseline RAGAGEP for ammonia fertilizer distributor facilities. But the organization has another ammonia standard, G-2, Ammonia that is an EXCELLENT compliment to CGA 2.1. The G-2 standard
We have discussed the Maximum Allowable Quantity (MAQ) extensively over the years, but a lot of facilities just can’t stay within the confines of a MAQ so what are they to do? Well, it an easy answer but it is not so easy to meet! In this article, I will explain the four (4) H
ME-OSHA issued two (2) Willfuls and six (6) serious citations to the Fire Department regarding the Sept. 16, 2019 explosion that killed a Captain in a propane explosion. The citations include up to $22,000 in potential fines for the town relating to violations of equipment and training standards. Here is a breakdown of the citations:
In a recent FaceBook Group posting, a member asked about using one of the DOT Special Permits that allows DOT containers/cylinders that came with a 15-year service life to have their service extended to 30 years. I wrote about this very issue in September 2019, explaining the pitfalls of using one of these DOT Special
The only item remaining in dispute is Item 3b of the citation. Item 3b alleges a violation of 29 CFR 1910.146(c)(4) for failure to develop and implement a permit-required confined space program to control entry of employees into the Fish Bin Chiller Alley at the Seward plant. This item was classified as a serious violation
OSHA has updated their COVID Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) with the addition of three (3) new Q and A’s regarding COVID vaccinations and recordability related to adverse reactions to the vaccine:
